WWE Bragging Rights 2009 DVD Review

Should the WWE be bragging about this DVD?

On October 25, 2009 at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the WWE had their first Bragging Rights PPV. Only featuring five matches, this PPV was built primarily around the One Hour Anything Goes match between Cena and Orton. But for the WWE Universe there was still plenty of action to enjoy:

Those that follow the wrestling coverage on IGN TV probably know by now that we aren't fans of the WWE's current TV-PG makeover. We have been pretty judgmental about their product, and while I won't apologize for what we have said, I will say that this PPV was pretty dang good even with the neutered action. Sure, it lacked the pizzazz and spectacle that WrestleMania and Royal Rumble had, but it instead delivered in almost every single one of the matches - even containing the best John Cena/Randy Orton match from their 2009 program. Keeping it simple, the WWE put on five matches with most being good enough so that this actually ended up being one of the WWE's better PPVs of the year.

Many wrestling fans will state that they don't care about how the show looks as long as they get to watch it. That is true to a degree, but at a certain point you have to take a stand and state that you want your video to look better than a blown up YouTube video. Plagued with video artifacts and interlacing problems, the video on this DVD is better than a lot of WWE PPV releases, but much worse than even the most basic straight-to-DVD movies. Considering that the shows are recorded in HD format, you would expect a better product...Oh well, at least the PPV is presented in the intended 16:9 widescreen format.

Score: 4 out of 10

Languages and Audio

Having viewed hundreds of pro wrestling DVDs, I have to hand it to the WWE for making a better audio transfer than I am used to. Containing both English and Spanish tracks, the audio on this DVD uses all speakers appropriately. With a clean transfer which balances the audio well, the only reason we would dock this potion is that it doesn't pack the punch that it could. Still, after seeing the lack of effort put into the video and extras, this was a pleasant surprise.

Score: 7 out of 10

Extras and Packaging

Packaged in a basic amaray case, the cover for this release features the promo poster for Bragging Rights 2009 with the participants of the two title matches. As for the extras, there isn't much to find here. Containing just one extra and a two minute post-match interview with Chris Jericho, this DVD is going to be sold strictly based on its PPV card.

By the way, just a note to the WWE: You need to add more extras to your DVDs! Every PPV has a dark match and action that goes on after the show is off air, so why not add those things as an incentive to purchase the set? On top of those, it would be nice to have the commercials for the event and pre-PPV lead-up promos added as well. These types of features could be added to give better historical reference to the set. Take the time to add these things and the PPV home releases will instantly become more of a collector's item for fans.

Score: 1 out of 10

The Bottom Line

Let's be honest, you buy wrestling PPVs for the content, not the video, audio or extras (though those never hurt). That said, Bragging Rights is definitely worth your cash if you enjoyed the show. I personally thought it was alright, and probably wouldn't spend my cash on it, but if you're a big Orton or Cena fan this show might be worth picking up.